Letter From Rabindranath Tagore

Many days back read a story regarding Rabindranath Tagore’s letter to a person. So just thought of sharing the fact ….

People know that if anybody gets a letter from any legend,& specially from Rabindranath himself then they  used to bind the letter or any reference in a big photo frame and showcase it in the living room for guests to see it and in turn feel  the status symbol.

So the story goes like this….In a reputed family of South Kolkata, there was a discussion between Mrinmoyei and her neighbor housewife Kuheli.Kuheli’s father-in-law studied in Shantiniketan (Rabindranath Tagore started  the school of his ideals, whose central premise was that learning in a natural environment would be more enjoyable and fruitful).So at the time of passing out from there her father-in-law  got a letter written by Rabindranath himself, for his participation in cultural programs, excellence in studies  & etc. etc.

So Kuheli and her husband framed it and showcased on the entrance of the main dining hall of their flat. Naturally if anybody sees and discussed about it, Prides Kuheli in turn.

After the discussion Mrinmoyei also remembered that her father-in-law also part of Shantiniketan for a short time. Curiously she decided to take the matter, if her father-in-law also possesses some letter or not.

Her father-in-law was sitting in his ezy chair in the balcony and reading newspaper.Mrinmoyei enters the room and asked him.

Mrinmoyei:”Baba, I have a curiosity….don’t know whether to ask you or not…”

Her father-in-law nods in a very slow passion, signaling a yes.

Mrinmoyei:”Baba, I know you have studied in Shantiniketan for some time…so just thinking….if u also got any letter from Rabindranath …like Kuheli’s father-in-law got….”

Her father-in-law sat for some time quizzed…perhaps trying to remember something….Mrinmoyei was asking for something….he left long time back….He looked up..saw Mrinmoyei’s curious & anxious face…he thought…she was a good daughter-in-law, and he didn’t want her to be sad…she never asks for anything from him in past…but what she was  asking him from now was a big thing….again he lost in thought for some time…then slowly walks towards his almirha,opened a file, took out a piece of paper & gave it to Mrinmoyei….

Mrinmoyei:”Baba, really you have a letter? Why didn’t you show us earlier? We could have also framed it…” she was in super joyous mood.

She started reading the letter with great appreciation in mind.

The letter goes out like this:

Rabindranath was addressing her in-law’s father…

“Dated…

Dear Paritosh Babu,

Hope my letter finds you in good health. I am writing this letter to you for the fact that your son Priyanshu is disturbing my quiet and peaceful atmosphere of Shantiniketan.He troubles the teachers here a lot, steels fruits and flowers from the garden .He is not at all concentrating on his studies and bunks the class regularly. He even locked a teacher in the bathroom and scared one lady attendant by acting as a ghost.

It is my sincere request you to kindly take your son from here as he is a great misfit for this place.

Hope to see you soon.

Yours sincerely

RabindraNath Tagore

(Signed)”

Mrinmoyei blast out laughing after reading out the letter. It was such kinds of letter that you cannot show it to anyone …forget framing it.

She looks at her father-in-law, he was looking in the sky…..lost somewhere.

Independence day?

Once on the occasion of Independence Day celebration once I went to invite the local SP of Police as a chief guest in my college.

When I reached the SP’s office I saw a old lady sitting in the chair. She was wearing a sari …not washed for a quite a long time… a worn out chappal, and with a blank expression on her face.I thought may be she is waiting for somebody.

I moved to the SP’s chamber, and after all the discussion like how would be the function, what were the arrangements made for entertainment, how many guest  a chief guest can bring…as he wants to bring her wife’s family along with him…I took his permission  handed over the invitation card…and moved out of the chamber.

On the way of coming back, I saw the same old lady sitting on the chair….

Curious as why so she is waiting for such a long time … I asked one of the Sub Inspectors what was the case?

He replied “Are sir she is waiting for her Son”.

I asked “her son is in lockup?” in turn he said ”are yaar her son was involved in the Student Politics…and in once In the Opposition party’s rally for which he was participating….we got orders to break the rally  the people from Govt.  And in course of doing so we had to fire some rounds in air…but unfortunately her son got shot …and died on spot”.

I asked”why don’t you tell her that her son will never come back now?” He replied “Are you mad or what? The death of her son is not on the record…and if I do tell her like what happened…it will unnecessary will create an enquiry”. I asked “does the opposition part knows it for which he is fighting?”

The sub Inspector replied”Man they only told us to drop the case as it may steer some vote bank out. And now don’t irritate me I am already quiet bugged up by this old lady and can’t answer you further questions on this. We are so populated what will happen if somebody dies? Does the system stops? Now please go and let me do my work.”

“Then why the hell she is waiting for so long? What you guys story her?”I cried..

“We told her son is in Lock up due to some party workers arrest and will get bail in some days “he replied e motionlessly.

Coming back with a heavy heart I saw the old lady with wait in her eyes …still waiting..

Some patriotic songs were playing by the local guys outside the SP’s office…

I went to the lady…thought to tell her all the truth…”Maa’m” I asked politely….She looked up with the expression of her eye…pain, wait…”Do you know my son? He is just like you…yours age only…”

I couldn’t utter a word just managed to say”Yes… he is good and will be back home in a few days”.

She might have got strength from my words…got up and walking slowly outside the office...with some bit of satisfaction and relieve on her face…

Again a new Patriotic song being played by the local guys outside…she waited for a long …turned back and asked me ”Do you know my son is also fighting for Independence?”….she slowly walked out …off the roads.